Pricing: Our astounding price is what makes the crucial difference for our customers...

Microsoft, along with most of the software industry, has battled piracy for many
years. As a result, Microsoft has gained a deep understanding of the damage that
the copying of digital media can do to artists and corporations alike. With Windows
Media DRM, content providers can now use license registration and media file encryption
to protect their digital media rights and stay closer to their customers.

Windows Media DRM was first released in August 1999. The latest release, Windows
Media DRM 10 Series, includes both server and client software development kits (SDKs)
that enable programs to protect and play back digital media files. Using the Windows
Media Rights Manager SDK, developers can create applications that encrypt digital
media files and issue licenses for those digital media files. Such files can be
either streamed or downloaded to the consumer's PC. Using the DRM component in the
Windows Media Format SDK, developers can enable applications to acquire licenses
and decrypt protected media files. The consumer can then play the digital media
files back on media players and applications that utilize the DRM component in the
Windows Media Format SDK and compatible portable devices. Together with the latest
Windows Media Encoder 9 Series, Windows Media DRM 9 Series can also support real-time
encryption, encoding and encrypting the file simultaneously such that the content
is never in the clear prior to delivery.

With Microsoft® Windows Media® DRM, content owners from large media companies to
individual talent can now quickly and easily offer their assets online. At the same
time, they can maintain the integrity of their copyrights, no matter how widely
circulated their digital material is. Individual consumers can then enjoy digital
music in a convenient and legal way.

The need for strong digital rights management (DRM) technology has increased due
to vast improvements in streaming media and compression technology. High-quality
audio and video are now a reality on the Web. This reality has created one of the
hottest trends on the Internet -- downloading licensed, and in some cases, unlicensed
audio content. This digital media can be easily copied and distributed, without
any reduction in quality. Consequently, content providers face serious problems
in protecting their rights over this digital media.

With Windows Media DRM, retailers and record labels can set up Internet music stores
to distribute digital media files. Content providers can also remain confident that
their digital media files will stay protected, no matter how widely they are distributed.
The license acquisition process allows companies to gather targeted customer information.
For example, many music distribution Web sites now request the consumer's e-mail
address in exchange for audio file licenses. Music distribution companies can then
use this e-mail address to keep the consumer up-to-date on concert schedules and
new compact disc (CD) releases, or to market related merchandise. Alternatively,
unsigned bands can upload and market their music directly to fans using Windows
Media DRM, while record labels can generate interest in new bands by offering free
downloads of their new music.

Digital
distribution offers consumers a convenient way to access their favorite content
at any time. Consumers will also be able to access higher quality digital media
on the Internet because content providers using DRM will be more willing to make
such content widely available.
Also, the DRM licensing scheme protects consumers
from inadvertently pirating a file: Consumers can be confident that the digital
media they receive is authentic material, and that they have acquired it in a legitimate
manner.